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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Acne - both Dd17 and DS 15

29 replies

Woollyslippers · 31/12/2020 15:00

Wondering what might help. I’m more concerned about DD as I think DS’s skin is more reflective of his age and puberty. However DD hit puberty really early and after some horrendous hormonal tantrums she’s now been on the mini pill for about 2-3 years which has helped enormously. But her skin is quite bad and I know it gets her down. She has lots of little lumps on her forehead and generally quite a lot of spots and pimples on the rest of her face. I’ve tried to encourage her to mention it to the doctor next time she’s getting another pill supply, but she so far hasn’t done so. She is very independent and doesn’t take kindly to suggestions but I’m concerned the pill she is on might play some part. At the same time I don’t want to draw attention to it and make it a thing. When does acne normally clear up?

Any experience or advice welcome as neither I or my hubby had acne so can’t draw on our own experience.

OP posts:
Izzabellasasperella · 01/01/2021 04:43

I had terrible acne as a teenager and my parents did nothing to help. I even resorted to asking my PE teacher for advice(she was useless too) It really affected my confidence and self esteem. I would advise gently talking to your dcs, maybe start with over the counter stuff first. Also remember diet and stress can be a factor.
You sound like a caring and thoughtful Mum.

Chlordiazepoxide · 01/01/2021 04:46

Are they infected? My ds for antibiotics px over the phone which helped a little bit then a longer term antibiotic and dual / which made a massive difference

DramaAlpaca · 01/01/2021 04:53

A trip to your GP is in order, I reckon.

I took DS to see our GP at 14. We were actually there about another issue but I'd asked DS in advance if it was OK if we mentioned his skin.

GP prescribed a long term antibiotic plus a topical cream and it had the acne sorted, gone never to return, in six months.

Definitely speak to GP as proper treatment can get rid of it and prevent scarring. There's no need to suffer with acne. Fair play to you for wanting to help.

Lobsterquadrille2 · 01/01/2021 06:54

Hi OP, it really depends on the individual as to when it clears up. My DD's acne started mildly in phases from when she was about 14. It became really bad, to the extent that it affected her life (missed lectures, wouldn't socialise) around 19. By that time she had seen our GP and her university one several times, been on two different types of the Pill, which she didn't like taking and didn't think helped, and I think two courses of an antibiotic. These were all skin related.

She did a lot of her own research and was aiming for Roaccutane, which was eventually prescribed after she could say that she had tried everything else. She was on that for nine months and her skin is completely free of spots (she is 23).

I learned that if she wanted to talk about it, she would mention it and otherwise, I kept quiet and didn't try to convince her that nobody would notice etc.

esselllx · 01/01/2021 07:11

The doctors can give antibiotics and cream

happinessischocolate · 01/01/2021 07:13

Don't wait for the next pill check get her to phone the GP ASAP

My dd didn't want to speak to the GP either as she was too embarrassed, but I insusted and even went to the appointment with her, she was given tablets and cream and it all cleared up pretty quick. When it flared up again about 6 months later she just asked for a repeat prescription and again her skin calmed down and cleared up quickly.

inquietant · 01/01/2021 07:16

I would take a holistic look at this:

  • water intake
  • diet especially f&v
  • sleep
  • cleanliness/products
  • medication

All have a part to play - talk to them and see what can be done in every category to bring improvements.

stressedsloth · 01/01/2021 07:44

Diet and drinking a lot of water helps massively.
Processed foods and chocolate would be a good place to start cutting down.

I hope she grows out of it fast.

JustDanceAddict · 01/01/2021 11:20

Both DCs have taken antibiotics and creams etc for acne. DS is still battling it but the lotions and pills keep it at bay just about.
The GP is the first point of call. In fact she said if DS was a girl he’d put her on the pill to see if it helped more than the antibiotics!! Some pills are supposed to help the skin.

shivermetimbers77 · 01/01/2021 11:23

I had terrible acne as a teenager and it really affected my mood. Endless antibiotics worked temporarily but it always came back. Roaccutane was a total game changer , well worth asking for a referral to a dermatologist to discuss.

JorisBonson · 01/01/2021 11:29

I've had acne since I was 13 - I'm 36 now! Mine is almost 100% hormonal and I've been in and out of dermatologists for most of my life.

The pill at 15 absolutely transformed my face for a few years, until a different batch of hormones hit 😂 ask your DD to ask the GP for Dianette, if that's not what she's on. Antibiotics and topical cream also help, and would obviously be more appropriate for your DS.

Starting a good skincare routine early in life is hugely important, and something that was left for.me.to discover for myself. Over 20 years since my first bout of acne I've found that The Ordinary products have worked beyond belief. They're cheap and effective.

littlefireseverywhere · 01/01/2021 11:33

We tried natural stuff with DS now 16. Then got prescribed creams & antibx. Finally saw dermatologist privately recommended 6 months roaccutane & it’s clearing. Skin looks amazing 3 months in.

JorisBonson · 01/01/2021 11:34

Those that have taken roaccutane in the past, how does your skin look now? I was offered it as a teenager but had a friend who was left with enormous pores on his face, they were very visible. It really put me off and I never took it.

(Sorry to derail OP)

Beamur · 01/01/2021 11:38

Both of my SC had bad skin. DSD was prescribed the pill which helped but still got breakouts for years. DSS was prescribed Roaccutane which did work and his skin was good afterwards.

Oneearringlost · 01/01/2021 11:39

OP, you need to make an appt for her with herGP.
First, the POP might well be making things worse, acne is a well known side effect to Progesterone.
Second, GPs are aware, these day that Acne is not a thing to be put up with and riding the storm. There are good treatments that can eradicate Acne. Clioquinol ( antibiotic) and Benzoyl Peroxide creams are life changing. And there are further treatments containing Retinoids if need be. All these are available on prescription.
There is no need for the misery that can be Acne. It can truly destroy confidence and there is no need for that. Get thee to a GP, maybe take some photos to upload for GP to see. Id definitely get her off the POP if possible.

Sgtmajormummy · 01/01/2021 11:45

DD pretends her spots don’t bother her, but they do. She also squeezes and picks at them if she’s stressed. She likes experimenting with makeup, but it’s an irritant. And mask wearing doesn’t help.

We’ve found Cerave Foaming Cleanser twice a day and their Moisturising cream in the big blue pot have helped her basic skincare. It doesn’t strip her skin and puts back ceramides (the mortar between the bricks of your skin).
Then on under surface infected spots we use Benzak 5% cream. Just a dab as it’s quite harsh. And a tiny amount of white toothpaste to bring out whiteheads overnight. At that point they wipe off with a tissue. No squeezing or prodding. Always wash gently with hands, never scrub or flannel. BB cream dotted over any eye-catching bits but remove ASAP.

I think knowledge is power. Now she knows how a spot is likely to develop she can treat it appropriately. I check every evening and say which ones are clearing up and aren’t going to cause any more trouble (positive reinforcement!). We talk openly about hormonal causes or what might have triggered them. Our aim is to get her back to school on 7/1 with a clear, untortured face!

Lobsterquadrille2 · 01/01/2021 11:49

@JorisBonson

Those that have taken roaccutane in the past, how does your skin look now? I was offered it as a teenager but had a friend who was left with enormous pores on his face, they were very visible. It really put me off and I never took it.

(Sorry to derail OP)

DD doesn't have large pores but does have very faint scarring which she was told would fade over time and could be assisted with ... some kind of skin peel treatment (it wasn't that, but something like it).
Sgtmajormummy · 01/01/2021 11:49

I agree with PP that Benzac is a great product. It got rid of my rosacea nose in 1 application when I thought I was stuck with it for the rest of my life!

DiscoDown · 01/01/2021 11:50

I had awful acne as a teen, I think my mum thought it would clear up by itself with things like Clearasil. I saw a GP about it when I was about 18, tried topical creams then an antibiotic, which made it better but didn't get rid of it. I had roaccutane in my early twenties in the end, it cleared it in 4 months and hasn't ever come back. My skin looks okay (no massive pores!) but I have a fair bit of scarring because it went on for so long. I'm told it's not that noticeable but it is to me iyswim. So I'd say get treatment sooner rather than later.

minnie465 · 01/01/2021 11:53

I would def recommend acne.org regimen that uses 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. You can buy benzoyl peroxide in UK online. I buy the acne.org 8oz tube from US. Works out about £20 with shipping. Can't order any more than that as will be hit with import duty.

Anyway, you need to follow the regimen to the letter. Start off using very very little and gradually build it up, be extremely gentle with your skin.

Enko · 01/01/2021 11:55

Dermalogica has a range called clear start it worked wonders on dd2 very badly acne affected skin. Its expensive but it has been money well worth spending for us. Ds uses their clear start black head cleaning and it has rapidly reduced how much he gets. Friends dd also used with success

LaraLuce · 01/01/2021 11:59

Also at the GPS ask for a blood test to get her vitamins and iron to be checked. My skin was bad until I found out I had some deficiencies. Have been supplementing since and my skin has been great since.

NadoligLlawen2020 · 01/01/2021 12:03

My sister and I had terrible acne in teens and I wad still getting spots especially those lots of little bumpy one into my forties. One of my children had terrible spots all over their head as a baby and the go said it was actually ezcema. I never knew ezcema could present as spots. I now treat my face for ezcema and I have no spots now. So For us, I think ezcema is was a massive (and unrecognised) contributory factor. My “nearly a teenager” child gets spots in a flash if they don’t wash and use their ezcema moisturiser once a day. As soon as they get back to using it, the spots all but go.

NadoligLlawen2020 · 01/01/2021 12:03

Sorry a few typos! Hopefully you can get the gist.

Feebs0 · 01/01/2021 12:14

I have acne and have had it since teens. Now 30. Not horrific but always had a few spots at a time and the odd cystic acne type spot that took ages to resolve. The pill actually helped my skin but not on it now.

Doctor is a good idea although I never went as I was worried they’d seem me superficial and say it wasn’t severe enough or something...

Anyway, you can get acnecide from the chemist. It is AMAZING! My skin is pretty much clear all the time now, and I NEVER get cystic acne. It feels harsh on your skin at first but after a few days your skin gets used to it.